“Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.”
And Paul said, 'I was not aware, brethren, that he was high priest; for it is written, You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people' — Paul apologizes, citing the Exodus 22:28 prohibition on cursing rulers. His retraction suggests either ironic concession (how could he not recognize the high priest?) or genuine deference to law even when the law-keeper violates it. The tension between law and its transgression remains unresolved.
Church Fathers on Acts 23:5
And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite you, you whited wall: for do you sit to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law? And they that stood by said, Do you revile God's high priest? Then said Paul, I knew not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people. Acts 23:3-5 Because I knew not…
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